There are no free lunches in the interstellar space, and with the strength and means that Azure Dragon currently displays, he is worth befriending by everyone.
But for Austin, with the backing of Overlord Level figure Anduin, there’s no need to rush things.
This series of actions must have an ulterior motive.
Li Ming also understands, it’s not that he doesn’t want to help, but it depends on what the other party needs.
It was then that Austin finally spoke up, pretending to heave a sigh before saying:
"I have a nephew, who hasn’t been diligent in proper pursuits since childhood, favoring mechanics instead, and when he grew up, he actually managed to make something of a name for himself."
"He founded a mechanical company, dealing in weapons and prosthetics and such."
"However, he himself is only an Advanced Mechanic, and although he employs several Mechanic Masters, his company struggles in many areas."
Listening, Li Ming’s gaze flickered uncertainly, understanding Austin’s intention, "You want him to affiliate with us?"
Having been in the Chaotic Star Gap for several months, Li Ming has gained a deep understanding of the towering influence of the Mechanic Association.
To put it plainly, although the level of mechanical knowledge can be converted into combat power, it doesn’t represent one’s own strength. Yet, over the years, their system of internal hierarchy has nearly aligned with conventional Life Levels.
Even influencing power to a slightly higher extent, enough to prove the prowess of this association.
Take the engineering of Genetic Seeds, for instance; the field is complex enough, but no one has seen fit to divide it into a hierarchy akin to biology.
It’s not that no one ever organized a similar association, but most have fizzled out.
The Mechanic Association is both loose and united, not only in the Chaotic Star Gap, but in every civilization where it exists, nearly all companies and conglomerates involved in the mechanical industry have intricate connections to the Mechanic Association.
If you are not a member of the Mechanic Association, or don’t employ a few mechanics, there’s no way to survive in the relevant industries.
It was only after Li Ming established the Mechanical Court for a while that he realized, if not for Azure Dragon’s membership in the Mechanic Association, the backlash he faced would have increased manyfold.
Even a few Overlord Level figures can’t intervene in the related industries; to do so, they must affiliate with a mechanic below them.
Interestingly, two Divine Craftsmen from the Mechanic Association don’t have much industry in the Chaotic Star Gap but are instead rooted in Order Civilizations.
Do you really think the arms business is profitable? Don’t you understand the value embedded in medical and educational equipment?
"Smart..." Austin gave a thumbs up, his fingertip releasing a wisp of Rune that dispersed into the air.
Soon, a knock at the door sounded, and Austin didn’t speak but looked at Li Ming.
Austin was thorough in his hospitality; whether the answer was yes or no in the end, he believed it was proper to meet the person first.
"Please come in," Li Ming said.
The door opened, and a figure who looked eight parts similar to Austin and much younger, wearing a black suit, walked in carrying black metal cases in each hand.
"Uncle..." He nodded to Austin, then greeted Li Ming: "Lord Li Ming, I am Trevor, sending regards to Lord Azure Dragon on my behalf."
Li Ming felt a little awkward inside; when others mentioned the person Azure Dragon in front of him during the initial stages of the fake identity plan, it was somewhat uncomfortable.
But now, he himself faintly felt that there really was a person called Azure Dragon.
"Please have a seat, Lord Trevor..." Li Ming also stood up; after all, the visitor was an A-Level Life Form.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Trevor got straight to the point, "My uncle may have already mentioned the general situation, but there are a few more details to add..."
"My company, which specializes in combat prosthetics and armor, operates in the Yinstone Star Ring within the Sea of Flipped Stars, and thanks to my uncle’s connections, we have a good footing in several Star Clusters." Trevor didn’t avoid the subject and was quite candid,
"However, I’ve recently encountered some trouble. A new company has snatched several deals from under me and seems to want to encircle me for takeover, backed by a Casting Star Mechanic."
Li Ming was surprised upon hearing this; he thought Austin wanted to leverage Azure Dragon to meddle in the business of the Chaotic Star Gap, but it turned out to be about solving a problem.
Austin couldn’t help feeling helpless, "Mechanic Harrison, I have no rapport with him, and since he doesn’t operate in the Chaotic Star Gap, he doesn’t need to give me face."
"Hmm..." Li Ming pondered, and then with some apology, said: "I’m sorry, I don’t want to cause any trouble for my teacher."
Afterward, he pushed the Dimension Boundary Mark back across the table.
Seeing this, Austin couldn’t help but shake his head, "This trinket is nothing to fuss over, no need to be so polite."
Trevor quickly explained, "It won’t cause any trouble, I’m actually not afraid of them. The main problem now is that the few A-Level mechanics I employ are unwilling to support me."
"That’s an unwritten rule in the Mechanic Association; when a higher-ranked mechanic wants to intervene in a local industry, they must cede a certain share."
"Just let me affiliate with you, and I’ll have the credentials to compete with them on an equal footing, and the relationship between the other party and the Casting Star Mechanic is not close either."
Li Ming raised an eyebrow, so there was such an unwritten rule?
Then why were they all suppressing him at the beginning?
Oh, the ones suppressing him were Casting Star Mechanics too; they didn’t need to follow this rule.
Perhaps the Mechanical Court could extend a little towards Order Civilizations, this favorable unwritten rule shouldn’t be wasted.
After some thought, he quelled this idea. No other reason but a serious shortage of manpower and production capacity.
This was especially true for middle management, a critical deficiency, not yet the time for expansion.
Seeing Li Ming deep in thought, Trevor struck while the iron was hot, displaying the two cases, "This is a gift for Lord Azure Dragon upon meeting."